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But the singers didn’t have it all their own way. Comedian Peter Kay had appeal organisers laughing all the way to the bank after he auctioned off tickets for an exclusive gig in Blackpool. The Car Share star raised more than £600,000.

Many of the lots, including an office Christmas lunch cooked by Rick Stein, had a festive twist.

The 1980s pop singer Rick Astley raised £550,000 for an appearance he will make at a Christmas party

Ten bidders forked out more than £250,000 between them to each win a table for six at Stein’s restaurant in Barnes. Their dinning companions on the day will include Evans, Berry, Lumley and Judy Murray.

The success of the auction helped Friday night’s Children In Need raise a record-breaking £50 million. The figure – which is already up £4 million on last year – is sure to increase in the coming weeks as last-minute donations are added to the total.

Peter Kay auctioned Blackpool tickets, raising £600,000 for Children in Need at the charity auction

Highlights of the five-hour spectacular included the cast of EastEnders singing songs from the musicals; former Blue Peter presenters competing in their own version of Strictly Come Dancing; and the return of The Weakest Link featuring ‘queen of mean’ Anne Robinson.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the night was the now-traditional clip from the Doctor Who Christmas special.

It featured the current Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, showing his first-ever incarnation around the Tardis. The clip is already an internet sensation.